AGP Executive Report

Visa Access: New Zealand says only citizens of Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga and Tuvalu can register for the 2026 Pacific Access Category Resident Visa ballot, with just 650 spots total split by quota (Kiribati and Tuvalu get 75 each). Pacific Security: Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on a joint response to China’s July nuclear-capable missile test, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters saying two members blocked a clear condemnation—reported as Kiribati and Naoero/Nauru—pushing the issue to leaders in Palau. Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed stronger regional climate action ahead of COP31, endorsing Pacific Pre-COP31 meetings and priorities like climate finance and ocean-climate leadership. Digital Connectivity: Australia says all 18 PIF members are now connected to undersea telecom cables, including new links reaching Tarawa in Kiribati. Food Security: Kiribati is advancing climate-resilient farming and fisheries efforts, including an offshore horticultural estate in Fiji, to cut reliance on imported food. Amelia Earhart Search: A new expedition is set to investigate the “Taraia object” at Nikumaroro, with Kiribati government clearance cited as part of the delay.

Pacific Security & Diplomacy: Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s July nuclear-capable missile test, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters saying two members blocked consensus—reported as Kiribati and Naoero (Nauru)—leaving the issue for leaders in Palau later this month. Climate Push for COP31: Forum foreign ministers backed stronger regional climate action ahead of COP31, endorsing the COP31 Pacific Partnership and a push for more climate finance, renewable energy investment, and ocean-climate priorities. Digital Connectivity: Australia says all 18 PIF members are now connected to undersea telecom cables, including new links to Tarawa (Kiribati) and other islands, aiming to boost resilience and economic participation. Kiribati Food Security: Kiribati is strengthening food and nutrition security via climate-resilient agriculture and fisheries management, plus social protection and an offshore horticultural estate in Fiji to cut reliance on imported staples. Kiribati in the Spotlight: A major Earhart search expedition is set for this fall on Nikumaroro, with Kiribati government clearance cited as a reason for delays.

Pacific Security: Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on a joint response to China’s July 6 nuclear-capable missile test, despite widespread alarm; New Zealand’s Winston Peters said two members blocked consensus—reported as Kiribati and Naoero (formerly Nauru)—leaving the issue for leaders in Palau later this month. China-Taiwan Diplomacy: China warned the PIF secretary-general to stick to the “one-China principle” after Taiwan was confirmed to attend the Palau summit, with Nauru, Kiribati and Solomon Islands having switched recognition to Beijing since 2019. Digital Connectivity: Australia says all 18 PIF members are now connected to undersea telecommunications cables for the first time, including Tarawa in Kiribati, with $500m+ invested since 2018. Fisheries Jobs: The Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) opened applications for a new CEO to lead the tuna fisheries office and push sustainable ocean resource management. Energy Skills: The International Solar Alliance will set up a Solar Technology Application Resource Centre (STAR-C) at Don Bosco Technological Institute in Port Moresby to train solar installers and operators.

Pacific Diplomacy on Taiwan: The Pacific Islands Forum says Taiwan will attend the Palau leaders summit after being blocked last year, as China warns the Forum secretary-general to stick to the “one-China principle.” Regional Security Divide: Pacific foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s July nuclear-capable missile test, with New Zealand saying Kiribati and Nauru opposed a stronger line and accusing “outsiders” of influencing the consensus process. Guam Missile Race: A separate Guam-focused report highlights a fast-escalating missile posture, with U.S. hypersonic “Dark Eagle” deployment claims and Chinese hypersonic tests deepening Pacific militarisation fears. Digital Connectivity Boost: Australia says all 18 Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected to undersea cables, including Tarawa in Kiribati, aiming to strengthen resilience and open digital markets. Fisheries Leadership: The Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) has opened applications for a new CEO to lead the tuna fisheries office and push sustainable ocean resource management. Solar Skills in PNG: The International Solar Alliance will set up a Solar Technology Application Resource Centre in Port Moresby to train installers and operators for scaled solar deployment.

Undersea Connectivity: Australia says every Pacific Islands Forum member is now linked to global undersea cables for the first time, with 10,300km delivered across nine countries including Tarawa in Kiribati and Naoero (Nauru), aiming to boost resilience, services, and investment. PIF Diplomacy: Foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on a joint response to China’s July ballistic missile test, with New Zealand saying two members blocked consensus—reported as Kiribati and Naoero—pushing the issue to leaders in Palau later this month. Taiwan at the Table: Taiwan will attend the Palau leaders meeting after being barred last year amid China protests, with the Forum saying Taipei is an important development partner. Clean Energy Moves: The International Solar Alliance deepened ties with Papua New Guinea and announced a Solar Technology Application Resource Centre (STAR-C) at Don Bosco Technological Institute in Port Moresby to build local solar installation and maintenance capacity. Kiribati Focus: A new series argues Kiribati should treat migration as long-term development, balancing outward and inward movement to ease pressures on South Tarawa.

Pacific Diplomacy: Fiji’s foreign minister says the Forum’s Suva meeting showed a shared push to “stand together” and present the Pacific’s interests as one, even as ministers struggled to agree on wording over China’s July missile test. China Missile Divide: New Zealand’s Winston Peters says two members blocked a joint condemnation, widely reported as Kiribati and Naoero (formerly Nauru), leaving the issue for leaders to revisit in Palau later this month. Taiwan at the Table: The Forum says Taiwan will attend the Palau leaders’ meeting after being barred in 2025, with officials calling Taipei an important development partner. Digital Connectivity Boost: Australia says all 18 Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected to undersea cables, including Tarawa in Kiribati, aiming to strengthen services and economic growth. Kiribati Migration Policy: A new series argues Kiribati should treat migration as long-term development, balancing outward and inward movement.

Pacific diplomacy: Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on a joint response to China’s July missile test, with New Zealand saying two members blocked a clear condemnation; reports identify the holdouts as Kiribati and Nauru, leaving the issue for leaders to tackle in Palau later this month. Regional connectivity: Australia says all 18 PIF members are now connected to the global undersea cable network for the first time, including Tarawa in Kiribati, after delivering 10,300km of new cables since 2018. Kiribati-focused development: A Pacific migration commentary argues Kiribati should treat migration as long-term national development, citing pressure on South Tarawa and the benefits of an “I-Kiribati” diaspora. Health and society: Kiribati confirmed 201 new Covid-19 cases this week. Maritime safety: Life Flight (Fiji) urges wider use of emergency locator beacons, pointing to Kiribati and Tuvalu as examples where beacons improved sea rescue outcomes.

Pacific Diplomacy: Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on a joint response to China’s July ballistic missile test, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters saying two members blocked a clear condemnation—reported as Kiribati and Nauru—leaving the issue for leaders to tackle in Palau later this month. Regional Connectivity: Australia marked a major milestone by helping deliver new undersea cable links so all Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected to the global network, including Tarawa in Kiribati and Naoero (formerly Nauru). Identity & Names: Nauru officially became the Republic of Naoero, dropping referendum plans and moving to a traditional name and country code change. Fisheries Money: The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency says it has paid out US$50.42m under the US Tuna Treaty, supporting Pacific fisheries management. Maritime Safety: Life Flight (Fiji) is urging wider use of emergency locator beacons, citing faster sea rescues in places like Kiribati and Tuvalu.

Pacific diplomacy: Taiwan is set to attend the Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ meeting in Palau after being barred last year over China objections, with Forum officials saying Taipei remains a key development partner even if it is not a dialogue partner. Regional security: Pacific foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on a joint response to China’s July missile test, with New Zealand saying two members blocked a clear condemnation—reported as Kiribati and Nauru—pushing the issue to leaders later in August. Connectivity boost for Kiribati: Australia says it has helped deliver more than 10,300km of undersea cables so all Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected to the global network, including Tarawa in Kiribati. Fisheries funding: The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency says it has paid out US$50.42m under the US Tuna Treaty, supporting Pacific Island Parties’ fisheries management. Identity at home: Nauru has officially renamed itself the Republic of Naoero, with citizens now called dei-Naoero. Maritime safety: Life Flight (Fiji) is urging wider use of emergency locator beacons, pointing to improved search outcomes in Kiribati and Tuvalu.

Pacific Security Standoff: Pacific foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s July ballistic missile test in nuclear-free Pacific waters, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters saying two Forum members used consensus as a veto; reports identify the holdouts as Kiribati and Nauru, leaving the issue to be taken up by leaders in Palau later this month. Regional Connectivity Boost: Australia marked a major milestone by helping deliver new undersea cables so that all Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected to the global network, including first links for Tarawa (Kiribati) and Naoero (Nauru). Kiribati Health Update: Kiribati’s Ministry of Health confirmed 201 new community Covid-19 cases on South Tarawa, Betio and Buota, with mild cases in home quarantine and schools still closed under alert level 3. Identity & Culture: Nauru officially renamed itself the Republic of Naoero, dropping plans for a referendum and updating international codes and citizen naming.

Pacific Security Diplomacy: Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on a joint response to China’s July missile test, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters saying two members blocked a clear condemnation—reported as Kiribati and Nauru—leaving the issue for leaders to revisit in Palau. Regional Connectivity: Australia marked a major milestone by completing undersea cable links so all 18 PIF members now have access to the global telecommunications network, including new connections for Tarawa (Kiribati) and Naoero (Nauru). Kiribati Migration Policy: A new series argues Kiribati should treat migration as long-term development, balancing outward and inward movement to ease pressure on housing, jobs, and services on South Tarawa. Maritime Safety: Life Flight (Fiji) is urging wider use of emergency locator beacons, citing Kiribati and Tuvalu as examples where faster sea rescues improved outcomes. Health Update (Kiribati): Kiribati’s health ministry confirmed 201 new community Covid-19 cases on South Tarawa, with schools still closed under alert level 3 and remote learning planned.

Pacific Security Diplomacy: Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on a joint response to China’s July missile test, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters saying two members blocked the statement—reported as Kiribati and Naoero (formerly Nauru)—leaving the issue for leaders’ talks in Palau later this month. Digital Connectivity: Australia marked a major milestone by completing 10,300km of new undersea cables, so all 18 PIF members are now linked to global undersea telecommunications networks for the first time. Kiribati Migration Focus: A three-part series argues for a fairer Pacific migration system starting with Kiribati, urging the government to treat migration as long-term development—supporting outward study/work links and managing inward pressures on South Tarawa. Health Update (Kiribati): Kiribati’s Ministry of Health confirmed 201 new community Covid-19 cases on South Tarawa, with schools kept closed under alert level 3 and remote learning planned. Tourism & Trade: SPTO and PTI Australia showcased “Hidden Treasures” destinations—including Naoero and Kiribati—on the 2026 Treasures of the South Pacific roadshow in Australia. Fisheries Money (Region): The US-Pacific Tuna Treaty continues to flow funds, with the FFA reporting a second 2026 payout of US$50.42m to Pacific Island Parties.

COVID Update: Kiribati’s Ministry of Health confirmed 201 new community Covid-19 cases on South Tarawa, Betio and Buota, with mild symptoms and home quarantine; schools remain closed under alert level 3, with remote learning planned. Maritime Safety: Life Flight (Fiji) Trust is urging wider use of emergency locator beacons (EPIRBs/PLBs) to cut sea rescue search times, citing Kiribati and Tuvalu as examples of faster outcomes. Deep-Sea Minerals: A US company’s application to explore high seas deep-sea minerals in a pocket shared by Kiribati, the Cook Islands and French Polynesia is open for public comment, as Pacific groups push for stronger shared-ocean rules while ISA regulations are still being negotiated. Regional Fisheries: The US-Pacific Tuna Treaty remains vital, with the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency reporting a second 2026 distribution worth US$50.42 million to member countries. Pacific Identity: Nauru has officially renamed itself as the Republic of Naoero, with citizens now called dei-Naoero, framed as a return to traditional identity. Sports (Kiribati in focus): Kiribati athletes continue to make waves at Glasgow 2026, including Commonwealth Games boxing momentum and broader Oceania participation.

COVID Update: Kiribati’s Ministry of Health reports 201 new community Covid-19 cases on South Tarawa, Betio and Buota, with mild symptoms and home quarantine; the country’s cumulative total now stands at 1,744, and an 80-year-old remains in hospital. Education Disruption: With Kiribati still on alert level 3, the first term of school scheduled for 14 February has been cancelled, and remote learning will run until further notice. Maritime Safety: Life Flight (Fiji) Trust is urging wider use of emergency locator beacons (EPIRBs/PLBs), saying they can cut search times and improve rescue outcomes; the group points to Kiribati and Tuvalu as examples where beacons helped speed up sea rescues. Deep-Sea Minerals: A US company’s proposal to explore deep-sea minerals in international waters between Kiribati, the Cook Islands and French Polynesia is open for public comment until 3 August, with Pacific advocates warning about unilateral licensing while ISA rules are still being negotiated. Fisheries Funding: The US-Pacific Tuna Treaty remains vital for Pacific Island fisheries, with the FFA reporting a second 2026 distribution of US$50.42 million to member parties. Regional Environment Work: SPREP says SWAP2 is supporting cleaner waste management across the Pacific, including Kiribati, with progress such as beach surveys and marine-litter audits to guide policy and plastics treaty talks.

Kiribati Health Update: Kiribati’s Ministry of Health confirmed 201 new community Covid-19 cases on South Tarawa, Betio and Buota, with mild symptoms and home quarantine; the country’s cumulative total now stands at 1,744, and an alert-level-3 order has cancelled the first term school start date with remote learning planned. Pacific Maritime Safety: Life Flight (Fiji) Trust is urging wider use of emergency locator beacons (EPIRBs/PLBs) to cut sea rescue search times, citing Kiribati and Tuvalu as examples where beacons improved outcomes. Deep-Sea Minerals Watch: A US company’s proposal to explore deep-sea minerals in international waters between Kiribati, the Cook Islands and French Polynesia is open for public comment, while Pacific groups push for stronger shared-ocean safeguards as ISA rules are still being negotiated. Regional Fisheries Funding: The US-Pacific Tuna Treaty remains a key support for Pacific island fisheries, with the FFA reporting a second 2026 distribution worth about US$50.42m. Identity in the Pacific: Nauru has officially renamed itself as the Republic of Naoero, dropping referendum plans and framing the change as a return to traditional identity. Governance & Diplomacy: A Solomon Islands-US maritime security “shiprider” agreement has triggered a sovereignty dispute in Honiara, with opposition demanding full details before Parliament debates it. Kiribati in the Spotlight: A Purdue-led expedition is set to depart in early October to investigate the “Taraia Object” near Nikumaroro, after Kiribati cabinet approval, as researchers seek answers to Amelia Earhart’s 1937 disappearance.

China-Pacific Debt and Influence: Analysts warn China is shifting from big loans to smaller, targeted “development” moves as its finances tighten, but its political goals in the Pacific remain active. Maritime Security Clash: Solomon Islands opposition says a US shiprider deal could weaken sovereignty and wants full details released for Parliament. Kiribati Health Update: Kiribati’s Ministry of Health reports 201 new community Covid-19 cases on South Tarawa, with schools closed under alert level 3 and remote learning set to continue. Sea Safety for Kiribati and Tuvalu: Fiji’s Life Flight Trust urges wider use of emergency locator beacons, citing faster rescues where Kiribati and Tuvalu have adopted them. Fisheries Money Flow: The US-Pacific Tuna Treaty is delivering about US$50.42m to Pacific Island members via the FFA, supporting offshore tuna management. Deep-Sea Minerals Public Comment: A US company’s exploration proposal for high seas areas involving Kiribati, the Cook Islands and French Polynesia is open for submissions, as Pacific groups push for stronger safeguards. Pacific Environment Capacity: GIS and spatial professionals from across the region met in Nadi to strengthen environmental data work amid the “triple planetary crisis.” Nauru Renamed to Naoero: Nauru officially changed its name to the Republic of Naoero, dropping referendum plans and framing it as a return to identity.